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Quote: Originally posted by Viggo on 20/9/2009

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The rules at the storage yard I use are:
1: Don't leave gas bottles in the van (fire risk)
2: Disconnect leisure batteries (ditto).

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Any bed linen, pillows, towels etc we leave in during summer but for winter we put them in plastic bags to keep the damp out as the van will get “Damp Condensation” inside when the temperatures drop to there lowest. That way come time to take the van out again we know all the linen is in it and ready to go. We also put these under the bed or in the cupboards out of site. As mentioned earlier make sure all the fluids are drained and the taps left open in the mid position with mixer types so the air can get in and let the water out. Also if you have a shower make sure you have drained the pipe to the shower head else this will freeze.

A chap we know has his van in storage, he doesn't disconnect his battery beause it powers his alarm. I've never heard him mention about his gas, but he does say they keep enough stuff in the van so they can simply call in, hitch up & go off for a weekend. That leads me to think he's allowed to keep what he likes in his. Perhaps some places have different restriction put on them by their insurance companies & have to set rules accordingly.

BB 

Tbh, there are no hard and fast rules on our storage site either. But we do see quite alot of others on there with huge great signs in their windows claiming 'Nothing is stored in this caravan/motorhome' or 'All valuables have been removed' and the like. although we're not convinced that they're always telling the truth as they do seem to be all set for a quick get away more often than not, but it's supposed to deter thieves of course, NOT other caravanners.

As for our own tin tent, (which until now has sadly, only been used for 2 weeks a year......DON'T get me started on that but we're hopeful this is about to change....), we disconnect the battery, leave the gas bottles in situ but turned off of course, all water containers and cassette loo are drained and I prop the fridge door open after drying it as thoroughly as I can and leave lengths of kitchen roll along the bottom just incase there's any wet stuff I've missed and this way it won't pong when we next come to use it. As for tins, jars etc. I do make sure that all out of date stuff or already opened stuff comes out, but unopened tins/jars that will still be in date for the following summer, (amazing just how long a tin of beans can be viable!), stay put.

We bring the sheets/duvet covers/pillowcases home but leave the duvet itself and pillows in storage bags and then give them a freshen up before the next outing along with the sleeping bags. We do leave a couple of clean kitchen towels and tea towels in there and just add to them for a full two weeks away.

If we wanted to completely clear out the tin tent, we'd need another house to store it all in

And all this talk of what we usually do has served to remind me that as our hols were cancelled due to hubby having his heart attack the day before we were due to set off for Cornwall....I've got shed loads of stuff to bring back home again coz we'd been putting bits and pieces back in it during that week! Knickers! Oh I might just chance fate and leave it put as we're still hoping, (gawd I HOPE we can still do this), for an autumn break, all being well on hubby's health front.....

Blimey! I'd completely forgotten about the awning and breathable ground sheet! We do take those home too Along with the garden chairs, awning table and portable bbq. Chairs we use in the garden anyhoo and the awning table comes in handy for my glass painting, or sewing machine when I do those out in the sunshine...when we have any

Leave gas in situ (disconnected) and battery stays connected. All kitchen and bathroom items stay in the van .along with the outside table and chairs, sat dish etc., take home awning as travels in car for better weight distribution. Some tinned food, sauces, condiments etc. left in cupboard. Leave douvet and pillow but take home bedding to wash.

I don't know about the gas bizz but if you disconnect your leisure battery, your alarm and tracker unit, if fitted, will eventually run down. In which case you will have no alarm or tracker which, if stated on your insurance that you do have, will render your insurance void.

So it would have to be a storage facility that was as secure as a high security jail before I would leave my van there without its usual anti-theft devices on and set.

Quote: Originally posted by D S B on 20/9/2009

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I leave my battery connected, but one of the rules of our storeage site is to disconnect the gas. 

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Hi

One thing to be careful about is not leaving behind any food which could attract mice.  Any dry foods (like sugar, cereal, pasta, rice etc)  that we leave in ours are always sealed into storage containers (Tupperware etc,).

- and never make the mistake of leaving stuff in the freezer compartment.  It is very easily done and not nice to find out about later!

Mrs U-M